How to Make Dog Clothes Out of Old Shorts

Dressing up your pup doesn't seem to be much of a fad anymore. Doggy boutiques stocking dog clothes and accessories are still around, and their prices have gone up. Learn to make your own dog clothes out of a pair of old shorts for a quick, easy way to have your pet looking fab on the cheap.

Things You'll Need

  • Old shorts (keep the size relevant to the dog you're creating clothes for)
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Closures (snaps work best)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your size. Be sure that the size of old shorts you're working with is relevant to the dog for which you're creating clothes. A small dog could get away with a teenage girl's old cheerleading shorts, while a large dog would need a pair of men's shorts. Keep this in mind to avoid running out of material.

    • 2

      Cut the shorts. Lay the shorts on a flat surface and cut them in half, directly up the center of the shorts. This will give you two large swatches of fabric to work with, which you'll use to create the dog clothes. One piece of fabric is what you'll be working with per article of clothing.

    • 3

      Take the dog's measurements. You'll need to take the dog's measurements, including around the dog's neck, from the back of the neck to the end of the torso, and around the waist.

    • 4

      Mark the measurements on your fabric. Be sure to put the marks in the appropriate place, creating yourself a pattern in the process. You can store one piece of fabric to have as a pattern from now on, and use the other to create the first piece of dog clothing. With your measurements in place, use a pencil to softly mark the fabric to create your pattern and cut the pattern out.

    • 5

      Sew the hem of the pattern. Use a sewing machine for maximum durability for your dog clothes hems. Gently fold the ends of the pattern in about 1 centimeter or so, and create a clean, finished hem on the trim of the pattern.

    • 6

      Add details and closures. The pattern you have will create a jacket or vest for the dog. Add closures if needed, as it is easier to use snaps for a dog than buttons or only a neck hole. Sew them down the center of the garment, so you put the piece on the dog like a jacket.